Page 77 of Falling for the Hockey Superstar

Game 7. Overtime. Penalty shots with the clock ticking down.

But nothing compares to the way my heart pounds as I stand at the front of the beautifully decorated church, doors open overlooking Irondale Lake, waiting for Abby to walk down the aisle.

The summer breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of soft laughter drifts through the air as friends and family gather to witness this moment.

Wes and Griff are standing beside me, looking unusually serious each in a tux that, despite their protests, they pull off better than anyone expected. And my brother Greg is here as well. Until a few weeks ago I thought having him stand with me was an impossible dream. It’s all thanks to Abby who convinced him to come, and I am so appreciative.

“Relax, Hayes,” Wes murmurs, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “She’s not going anywhere.”

“Yeah,” I murmur, but my pulse doesn’t slow.

Because the moment I see Abby…

My worldstops.

She’s breathtaking.

Her dress is simple but elegant, flowing around her like she’s floating on air. Her hair is loosely curled, framing her face perfectly. But it’s the look in her eyes—filled with so much love and promise—that steals my breath.

Jake walks beside her, his little chest puffed out with pride as he carries the rings, looking every bit the part of the most important person in our lives.

My throat tightens as they get closer, and when Abby’s eyes lock on mine…

I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

“Hey,” she whispers softly when she reaches me, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

“Hey,” I murmur, my voice rough with emotion. “You ready for this?”

“With you?” Her smile is radiant. “Always.”

The pastor welcomes everyone, then begins with scriptures and adds his words of marriage advice. At least that is what he described at the rehearsal last night. Truthfully, I don’t remember hearing anything. All my senses were locked on watching Abby.

***

I’m shocked into a response when I realize the pastor is asking for my vows. I turn to Abby and tell her:

“I, Beckett Hayes, take you, Abigail Price, to be my wife… my heart, my home, and my greatest adventure.

When I met you, I didn’t know how much my life was about to change. I thought hockey was everything—until you and Jake showed me that love, family, and laughter mean more than any championship ever could.

You brought light into my life when I didn’t even realize I was living in the dark. You’ve taught me what it means to open my heart, to trust, and to dream of a life filled with something more than just the next game.

Abby, I promise to stand beside you through every victory and every challenge. I promise to be the man you and Jake can count on—to be your biggest fan, your fiercest protector, and the one who never lets you face life’s uncertainties alone.

I vow to love you endlessly, to cherish every moment we share, and to always put our family first. You and Jake are my greatest win… and I promise to spend the rest of my life proving that to you.

Forever and always… I’mall in.”

***

Abby’s eyes shimmer with tears as she repeats her vows, her voice trembling but filled with so much love it makes my chest ache.

“I, Abigail Price, take you, Beckett Hayes, to be my husband… my rock, my heart, and the missing piece I never knew I needed.

When Jake and I met you, I was so afraid to open my heart again—to risk losing what I had already lost once before. But you… you didn’t just walk into my life. Youstayed. You showed me that love doesn’t have to be scary, that family isn’t just about blood. It’s about showing up, day after day, with an open heart and a promise that never wavers.

Beck, you’ve given Jake the role model he’s always needed. And me… you’ve given me a reason to believe in forever again.

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